Devices, systems and methods for ozone sanitization of continuous positive airway pressure devices

ABSTRACT

The present invention is generally related to an apparatus and method for sanitizing a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device, in particular the invention relates to a system, method and device that attach to a CPAP device and sanitizes all of the parts of the CPAP device, including the inner areas of the hose, reservoir and face mask most prone for bacteria buildup. The device has an ozone operating system and one or more ozone distribution lines that distributes ozone to a CPAP device and a non-permeable bag for sanitizing a CPAP mask.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally related to a device and method forsanitizing all of the parts of a continuous positive airway pressuredevice with ozone, with an easy to use device that can distribute ozonethrough a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device in betweenuser cycles using an easily portable device. In particular the inventionrelates to a device and method for sanitizing the inside of thecomponent parts of a continuous positive airway pressure device, in adevice that attaches to any CPAP device as an attachment, as a firstautomated sanitization device and method to sanitize CPAP devices. Thedevices and methods of the present invention readily sanitize a CPAPdevice in between uses with a small battery operated ozone generatingdevice, a distribution channel and a specialized connector unit toconnect the ozone generating device to a CPAP device as a permanentattachment, and a non-permeable attachment bag for sanitizing a CPAPface mask.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder characterized by abnormalbreathing during sleep. Pauses in breathing for people with sleep apneacan last from a few seconds to minutes during sleep, often resulting insignificant levels of sleep disturbance, which may result in daytimefatigue, impaired reaction time, vision problems, and impaired daytimecognition.

Sleep apnea is often treated with a continuous positive airway pressure(CPAP) device. CPAP devices prevent reduction of oxygen levels in theblood and sleep loss by delivering a stream of pressurized air through ahose to a nasal pillow or a full face mask surrounding a patient's nose.The CPAP devices work by applying a mild air pressure on a continuousbasis to keep a patient's airways continuously open at a prescribedpressure for each patient, to maintain unobstructed breathing throughouta sleep period, with patient initiated breaths.

While CPAP treatment can be a highly effective treatment for sleepapnea, a major downside with CPAP treatment is non-compliance. Patientsare often reluctant to continuously use CPAP devices, as cleaningmaintenance of CPAP devices have proved to be tiring and difficult forusers because of bacterial buildup, which requires continuous cleaningand prevention steps. When users are away from home or traveling,cleaning of CPAP devices is even more difficult and cleaning complianceis less regular for users who are frequently travelling, such as truckdrivers, pilots and business people with a heavy travel schedule. Mostmanufacturers of CPAP devices recommend that users perform daily andweekly cleaning of their machines to prevent bacteria and mold buildup.In this instance, each part of the CPAP device needs to be cleanedindividually, including the mask, the hoses and the humidificationportion, which is difficult and time consuming for users on a daily orweekly basis particularly when a user is travelling. Other CPAP devicecleaning methods include soaking the component parts of a CPAP device ina mixture of vinegar and water to disinfect the component parts. Becauseof the inherent nature for CPAP devices to collect bacteria and mold, anumber of other products are available to consumers to make CPAPmachines safer, including but not limited to:

-   Citrus II Cleaning Spray for masks and tubing, available at    www.cpapxchange.com-   Contour CPAP cleaning wipes-   CPAP tube cleaning brushes, available at www.cpapxchange.com-   CPAP Guardian, available at www.cpapguardian.com

Further, several patents and patent applications have been filed on CPAPdevices, improvements and the like. The patents in the field of CPAPdevices include U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,845,350, 7,676,276, 6,276,304,7,527,603, 7,767,168, 6,280,633, 7,022,225, 4,787,980 and US applicationnumbers: 20100111792, 20060130834, 20040251125, 20050186108.

While some of the existing products, patents and applications describedabove refer to CPAP systems, methods and devices, there is no system,method or apparatus shown that covers the need to have an ozone systemto sanitize, disinfect and clean a CPAP device and the inside of itscomponent parts in a battery operated compact travel device that is easyto use while travelling, for ease of use and improved compliance ofusers, as described in accordance with the present invention.

Other systems, methods, apparatus features, and advantages of thepresent invention will be or become apparent to one with skill in theart upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description.It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, apparatusfeatures, and advantages be included within this description, be withinthe scope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanyingclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with reference tothe following drawings. The components in the drawings are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearlyillustrating the principles of the present invention. Moreover, in thedrawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding partsthroughout the several views.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for sanitizing a continuouspositive airway pressure device, in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of an apparatus for sanitizing a continuouspositive airway pressure device, in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 is a cut out view of a portable device for sanitizing acontinuous positive airway pressure device, in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a non-permeable bag and a partial cutout view of a non-permeable bag in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device 100 for sanitizing a CPAPdevice 110 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Inaccordance with this embodiment, an ozone operating system is embeddedin a portable device 105. A distribution line 115 is shown connectingthe portable device 105 with an ozone operating system to a CPAP device110, to distribute ozone generated in the ozone operating system to theinside of a CPAP device 110. In accordance with this embodiment, a CPAPconnector unit 122 is attached to one end of a CPAP hose 125, whereinthe distribution line traverses the CPAP connector unit 122 whilemaintaining the hose in an open position to receive air and ozone gasfrom said CPAP device 110. The other end of the CPAP device 110, inaccordance with the present embodiment, is attached to a non-permeablebag 130 that is not permeable to ozone gas, for sanitizing a CPAPfacemask when placed in the bag. Having the CPAP face mask separatelyenclosed in a compartment is an important feature of the presentembodiment for complete sanitization of the CPAP device 110 and itscomponent parts. Because the facemask touches the outer skin of a user,both the inside and the outside of the face mask must be sanitized. Inthis embodiment the non-permeable bag is made of several layers offabric including but not limited to 1) an acrylic inner layer, 2) a highdensity polyethylene 3 layer barrier liner, and 3) an acrylic fabricshell, which combined prevents corrosion of the materials during thesanitization process and prevents leakage of ozone from thenon-permeable bag into the ambient environment. In addition, in order toseal the non-permeable bag 130 in accordance with the presentembodiment, Kevlar thread, nylon strings and cord locks are used toprovide a tight drawstring seal to the non-permeable bag 130.

In accordance with the present embodiment, when a user is using adevice, pressurized or humidified air will traverse from the CPAP device110, through the CPAP connector unit 122, into the hose 125, and then toa face mask which a user where's around the user's mask, for providingregulated and pressurized air to a user while sleeping, to preventpauses in breathing associated with sleep apnea. When a user is notusing their CPAP device 110, the ozone operating system in the portabledevice 105 may distribute ozone to sanitize the CPAP device and itscomponent parts either automatically, according to a timer, or with thestart of a button. The ozone operating system in the portable device 105will then distribute ozone gas through the distribution line 115 to theCPAP connector unit 122, into the hose 125 and to the non-permeable bag130 for sanitizing a face mask in the non-permeable bag. Ozone gas is apowerful sanitizing gas, with significantly more sanitizing power in itsgaseous form, as opposed to when ozone has been combined with water. Inthe present invention, the CPAP device 110 may have water in the waterreservoir, when the ozone gas is distributed into the CPAP device 110.In accordance with this embodiment, the ozone gas may be used tosterilize the water in the CPAP device, and then release from the wateras gaseous ozone quickly because the CPAP water is kept in a warmcondition. The ozone gas will then traverse through the hose of the CPAPdevice, thereby sanitizing the inside of the hose, and then the ozonegas will traverse to the non-permeable bag for sanitizing the face mask.

About 20-30 minutes from the start of the ozone sanitizing processdescribed, the ozone will start to naturally breakdown into oxygen O₂,which can then be safely released into the ambient environment. As anadditional safety precaution to make sure all ozone is released, afilter cartridge 135 is provided on the side of the non-permeable bag130, which is an oxidizing catalyst, such as an MGO₂ filter, to collect,breakdown and release remaining ozone as oxygen O₂. Further inaccordance with this embodiment, a built-in timer and start button 102on the portable device 105 allows a user to simply press a start buttonand the ozone sanitization process in accordance with this embodiment ofthe present invention is initiated. In accordance with the apparatusshown in FIG. 1, the ozone operating system will produce ozone when auser presses a start button 102 on the potable device 105.

To generate ozone, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention, any available ozonator or like apparatus for creating ozonegas may be used. Ozonators create ozone from oxygen molecules, often byapplying ultraviolet light to the oxygen or by using a corona discharge.Ozone gas is made of oxygen molecules that have been ionized byradiation to form groups of three oxygen atoms, O₃. The ozone gas ispowerful and effective for removal of odors, impurities and dangerouspathogens, working by exchanging electron charge with particles thatozone comes into contact with to form oxygen, O₂, from the unstableozone O₃, a process particularly useful for purifying air and water andfor killing bacteria and microorganisms. Typically, ozone, O₃, willstart to convert back to oxygen, O₂, within 30 minutes of the start of acycle in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the ozone apparatus in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention. In accordance with this embodiment,the convenience of a portable, battery operated ozone apparatus 200 isapparent. In this embodiment battery compartment 240 is shown forcontaining a battery for powering the ozone apparatus 200. In accordancewith this embodiment, the batteries 245 may be any standard sizedbattery, such as double AA, or triple AAA batteries, rechargeablebatteries, or a specialized battery developed for the ozone apparatus200, which may be easily recharged by a user. In accordance with theembodiment shown, eight double AA batteries are used to power theportable device 205. In this embodiment, the distribution line 215 isalso shown for attaching to a CPAP device in accordance with the presentinvention. The apparatus 200 in the present embodiment may also be usedto sanitize a variety of devices, parts and other medical equipment, byattaching the distribution line 215 to another device, using thenon-permeable bag for holding medical parts that require sanitization,along with other obvious products that would be benefitted from an easyand portable sanitizing device and system. In yet other embodiments ofthe present invention, a base attachment can replace the battery pack,allowing a user to plug in to an AC wall outlet or a 12VDC automotivepower supply.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective cut-out view of an apparatus 300 inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Inaccordance with this embodiment, the ozone operating system 317 is shownin this cut out view of the portable device 305 showing the inside ofthe portable device 305. In accordance with this embodiment, the ozoneoperating system 317 will produce ozone, which will traverse through thehose 315 for sanitizing a CPAP device. Check valve 320 is further shownin this embodiment for preventing backflow of water from the CPAP waterreservoir into the hose 315. The start button 302 is also shown forinitiating the sanitization process, for ease of review and for theuser's safety while the apparatus 300 is producing and transferringozone throughout the apparatus 300.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective of a non-permeable bag 430 and a cut outportion of the non-permeable bag 430, showing multiple layers of fabricfor forming the non-permeable characteristic of the bag. In accordancewith this embodiment of the present invention, non-permeable means thefabric is not permeable to ozone, which is an important safety criteriato keep ozone from the ambient air during the sanitization process. Inaccordance with this embodiment, an acrylic inner layer is provided,432, along with a high density polyethylene barrier layer 434 and anacrylic fabric shell layer, 436 in the walls of the non-permeable bag430. In addition, a sealing mechanism is provided with the non-permeablebag 430, shown in FIG. 4, in which the at least two drawstrings 442 areused to close the non-permeable bag 430. In accordance with thisembodiment, pulling of the drawstrings 442 will tighten the top of thenon-permeable bag 430 around the facemask that has been placed by a userinto the non-permeable bag 430. Spring loaded adjusters 445 are providedto keep the non-permeable bag 430 in a tightly sealed position when thenon-permeable bag 430 is closed for a sanitizing process, in accordancewith the embodiment shown.

In accordance with one or more embodiments described herein, a devicefor sanitizing a continuous positive airway pressure device, isgenerally described, with an ozone operating system, a connector unit,wherein the connector unit, connects one end of a CPAP hose to acontinuous positive airway pressure device and distributes ozone into aCPAP device, one or more ozone distribution lines, wherein the one ormore ozone distribution lines traverses the connector unit into the CPAPdevice such that the hose remains open for receiving pressurized air andozone gas from the CPAP device; and, a non-permeable bag connected tothe other end of said hose, wherein a CPAP facemask may be sanitized inthe non-permeable bag with ozone. The non-permeable bag in accordancewith one or more embodiments may further include a sealing mechanism toprevent ozone leaks from the non-permeable bag and a filter cartridgefor releasing ozone at safe levels into the ambient air, once asanitizing cycle is complete.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention,water in a water reservoir in the CPAP device. In accordance with thisembodiment the distribution line will traverse the CPAP connector unitwith a free end immersed in the water in a water reservoir in the CPAPdevice. In accordance with this embodiment, ozone is released into thewater, and will effectively sanitize the water in the water reservoir.While ozone is effective to sanitize the water, ozone immersed in thewater will not effectively sanitize the remainder of the CPAP device, inparticular, the water reservoir where there is no water, the hose andthe facemask, all of which are prone to bacterial growth which pose riskof infection to a user, since the sanitizing power of ozone issignificantly diminished when the ozone is immersed in water. However,in accordance with the present embodiment, ozone is released from thewater in the water reservoir back into ozone gas at a quick rate becausethe ozone in the CPAP reservoir is typically at a warm temperature,which releases ozone back to it's gaseous form quickly, O₃. Ozone willtravel from the reservoir through the connector unit, which is designedto keep air and ozone access to the hose, and into the hose. The ozonewill then travel through the hose into the face mask, which is in anon-permeable bag, allowing the hose which touches a patients skin on aregular basis to be sanitized on both the inside and outside. One ormore of the present embodiments may be performed by a user by pressing abutton, or by setting a daily or weekly routine and automated sanitizingand maintenance schedule. In accordance with this embodiment, waterremaining in the reservoir between uses can be easily sanitized inaddition to the CPAP device and each of it's component parts—generallycomprising a reservoir, a hose and a face mask, though different CPAPdevices may have additional parts that can further be sanitized inaccordance with the embodiments of the present invention. The devices inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention mayfurther include a check-valve in the ozone distribution line, to preventthe back flow of water from a reservoir, into the ozone distributionline.

The device in accordance with the embodiments of the present inventioncan remain as a permanent attachment to any CPAP machine. Because theCPAP devices and hose attachments differ between models and vendors ofCPAP devices, the present invention accommodates by making connectorunits that are devised to fit between specific CPAP devices and therelated hose or similar mechanism, so that a device with an ozoneoperating system, a distribution line, a specialized connector unit toconnect the hose to a particular model or brand of CPAP device and anon-permeable bag can be used and manufactured to fit as a permanentsanitizing attachment to any CPAP device on the market, for ease of useby a user. By providing the devices, systems and methods of the presentinvention as a sanitizing attachment to a CPAP device, provides for asignificant step in ease of sanitizing CPAP devices, compared toconventional methods requiring a user to break apart the CPAP devicesand soaking the devices in water with soup.

In addition to the apparatus described and shown in the embodiments ofthe present invention, methods for sanitizing a CPAP apparatus and itsrespective parts are further disclosed. In accordance with one or moreof the methods described of sanitizing a CPAP device, the followingsteps are included but not limited to: A method for sanitizing acontinuous positive airway pressure device, the method comprising thesteps of: providing a device with an ozone operating system, placing aconnector unit between the CPAP device and a CPAP hose, sanitizing theentire device readily, with ozone as a sanitizing agent, providing oneor more ozone distribution lines, wherein the one or more distributionlines traverses the connector unit and distributes ozone to a CPAPdevice while maintaining the hose in an open position to receivepressurized air and ozone gas from the CPAP device, and connecting theother end of the CPAP device hose to a non-permeable bag for sanitizinga face mask in the non-permeable bag, safely and effectively. Themethods of one or more embodiment may further include providingbatteries to operate a device with an ozone operating system, andproviding a check valve assembly to prevent leaks from water in a waterreservoir into the ozone distribution line.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of thepresent invention, particularly, any “preferred” embodiments, are merelypossible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clearunderstanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations andmodifications may be made to the above-described embodiments of theinvention without departing substantially from the spirit and principlesof the invention. All such modifications and variations are intended tobe included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the presentinvention and protected by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for sanitizing components of acontinuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device, comprising: fluidlycoupling an ozone operating system to a bag for receiving ozone gas; andgenerating ozone gas with the ozone operating system, such that saidozone gas flows into an interior of said bag; wherein: said bagcomprises a sealing mechanism and an opening that is movable between anunsealed configuration and a sealed configuration; in said unsealedconfiguration, the opening is configured to permit insertion of a CPAPmask into the bag; and in said sealed configuration, the sealingmechanism is configured to form a seal that substantially preventsleakage of ozone gas from said bag.
 2. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising fluidly coupling the ozone operating system to a CPAP hose.3. The method of claim 2, wherein: said CPAP hose comprises a first endand a second end; fluidly coupling said ozone operating system to saidbag comprises fluidly coupling the ozone operating system to the firstend of said CPAP hose; and the method further comprises: disposing atleast the second end of the CPAP hose in the interior of said bag; andconveying said ozone gas from said ozone operating system through saidCPAP hose to the interior of said bag.
 4. The method of claim 3, whereinthe second end of the CPAP hose is configured to couple to a CPAP mask.5. The method of claim 1, wherein a filter cartridge is coupled to thebag or disposed within the interior of the bag.
 6. The method of claim1, wherein said bag comprises an inner layer, an outer layer, and abarrier layer between the inner and outer layers.
 7. A system forsanitizing components of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)device, comprising: an ozone operating system; a connector unit, whereinthe connector unit fluidly couples said ozone operating system to afirst end of a hose of a CPAP device; a bag, wherein a second end of thehose is coupled to a mask within the bag; and, a sealing mechanism toseal an opening in the bag, wherein said sealing mechanism is movablebetween an unsealed configuration and a sealed configuration.
 8. Thesystem of claim 7, further comprising a filter cartridge coupled to ordisposed in said bag.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein said bagcomprises an inner layer, an outer layer, and a barrier layer betweenthe inner and outer layers.